A Change of Guard

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Friday 19 November 2010

Cambodia’s Democratic State

By Orphan Child

First of all, who is Orphan Child? Many curious readers speculate about his or her identity. Some opponents call O.C. either fool, bastard or 2nd Pol Pot. I’m a full-blooded Khmer, who was born into a Cambodian middle-class family in Europe. So it made me enable to adopt the strengths of European and Cambodian at the same time. Thus the liberalism has shaped me. After the graduation in Economics and Law I have gained work experience in different companies and branches. Improvement in professional competence and social skills use to be the main motivators. In my free time I follow Cambodian news in English and in Khmer languages. Since childhood I have visited the country at least once-a-year for the purpose of improving my reading and writing skills in Khmer. During that time I got in touch with vast poor people by travelling through the country. Further I realized Cambodia is not able to free itself. It also needs international help for a radical change. Hence that matter turns into my life task. In future I would only go to Cambodia as soldier fighting for fatherland, freedom and democracy. We, the people, must tackle the problem at its roots what is the current government.

Murderers, Robbers, Traitors
The sole reason for this injustice is the government through their lack of education, incompetence, lust for power, greed and self-aggrandizement. Unfortunately there are no other options because whoever rises against it would be assassinated. For maintaining the country’s peace and development you have remained more or less silent with closed eyes. Many of you believe that an individual person can’t change anything anyway. But a new problem might lie ahead namely Vietcamlao Federation Republic in 20 years. Some of you would claim that this alliance would gradually develop Cambodia’s economy and wealth. However many people ignore the political aspect which plays an immense role for the country’s healthy development. The sad truth is that the Cambodian government does not represent the majority of people’s interest. In
contrast, the European Union is a federation of democratic states which has gone a long way since the end of Second World War. Those countries joined the EU on the basis of a decision taken by the people. Up until now those countries insist on their political sovereignty. As you know, Vietnam and Laos are single party communist states. The Cambodian parliament is an informal single party state as well which obviously oppresses the opposition parties. Its majority are Khmer Rouge leaders installed by Communist Vietnam in 1979. Vietcamlao Federation Republic does technically not differ to notorious Indochina. However there are no or less similarities between Vietnam and Cambodia compared with Thailand or Laos (culture, language, religion and mentality) which has been influenced by Angkor. You should take into account that most overseas Vietnamese fled from liberal South Vietnam in 1975. It has been overrun by communist North Vietnamese who celebrated the victory over Vietnam War. The Vietnamese abroad do not accord with Hanoi. In this connection, the country is people’s soul and heart piece. Without this, we will never be safe again and proud of our origin. In other words, we would become orphans. Definitely I fight against identity loss with or without your support because I am Khmer. No matter whether this federation comes true or not, we should finally find back to national pride.

What are Cambodian strengths? It can be said that creativity, objectivity, hardworking, invincibility, sense for justice, honesty, capacity for mercy, solidarity and tolerance. With these characteristics and virtues we have best conditions for building a democratic state which I call as follows:

Dreambodia
If Cambodia would get the chance to transform to democracy, the state would have to play a huge leading roll in the first 20 years. The state’s power has duty to take corrective action in public life and market economy. The country runs through a number of phases which each lasts decades. Good examples for economic grow in Asia are the Korean or Taiwanese model. At the
beginning the aforementioned instrument lives mainly on tourism, oil and gas, donations and tax revenues, labor force and volunteers to start the following development:

1. Feed the population (food, fundamental rights and education)
2. Industrialization
3. Globalization
In addition further transparent measures have to be enhanced or taken:

Election reform
The Prime Minister is direct elected in a general election by popular vote every 4 years. Only one re-election is permitted thus he reigns for maximum 2 terms
A multiparty system will promote the democracy
The constitution provides a referendum
Any awarded title by his majesty become worthless. In future there is no awarding
Nepotism in body politic is banned Foreign policy
All borderline to Thailand, Vietnam and Laos are closed. But other citizenship can pass those checkpoints
Building fences and guard posts in precarious places
Focusing strongly on domestic business especially in agriculture and manufacture
Export substitution strategy Police and military forces
Defense policy to preserve neutrality and national security
Border Guard / Navy / Cambodian Army / Air Force
Police force splits into national and province
Nobody owns a private army
Superfluous generals have to be degraded

Supervision Agency
Setting up departments for investigation / corruption / human trafficking /immigration / tax supervisory. The agency will guarantee strictly adhering to law and regulations and will control the police and military forces
There is a complaints office in every big city

Law reform
Members of parliament enjoy parliamentary immunity which is anchored in the constitution
All persons shall be equal before law
People must respect police officer who does not fear the rich and political elite. The police symbolize trust, security, righteousness and justice
Harsh punishment due to corruption
Peaceful declared demonstrations are welcome because it’s the people voice
Freedom of expression

Immigration reform
Immigrants are stored electronically and receive a residence permit. They are obliged to register whenever they settle in another province
Having no right to elect, vote or buy land
Khmer Krom people can apply instantly for naturalization

Land reform
Issuing of land certificates in corporation with municipal
Big farmers obtain subvention by providing tractors or price regulation
Setting out program for ecology and sustainability

Tax Reform
The rich pay asset tax and more income tax
State has the opportunity to control bank accounts and wage payment
State can apply for any documents

Economic reform
Companies are subsidizing its exports
Less imports in all sectors in order to reduce costs, support and promote
domestic business and production
Attracting US, German, Australian, Japanese and South Korean
investments. Firstly in manufacture. Secondly technology exchange
Adequate child work (older than 15 years) on rare occasions. State has to
provide more salary and vocational training
Nationwide prohibition on casinos

School reform
There are no foreigner schools which have not approved by authority
Khmer is teaching language. First and second foreigner languages are English and Chinese
Compulsory secondary education in cities
Singing hymn every morning and hoisting flag monthly
Inviting monks for teaching Buddhism, basic Pali and Sanskrit
Promoting basic Pradal Serey / classical music and dancing
Involving in Western history, geography, systems and news
Inviting international guest lecturers
Education in nutrition, hygiene and cleanliness

Tourism
Referred to constitution in Chapter V Article 58 all ancient buildings shall be complemented as state property. Consequently Mr. Sok Kong must return Angkor Wat
Expanding safety transport links Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - SihanoukVille

Media
Press becomes a kind of fourth estate
No disinformation and defamation anymore

King’s role
Only symbol of head of state but he has no authority to make any decision
Appointing in domestic policy especially cultural commitment. The king needs to be close to the people. He would donate money to schools, hospitals, non-profit institutions and farmers. But cult of personality does not exist anymore

Conclusion
I have briefly introduced myself and showed an alternative of Cambodia. As a result, there is still great potential for the country. Moreover the communist government hinders rapid progress and in addition it does not follow laws. Democracy must be the destination. However I do not outline approaches and solutions because only together we can find one. Furthermore I assume many young Cambodians do not have a comprehensive and coherent understanding of Cambodia’s situation. For that reason reread my column Sleeping Cambodia, which way do you go? I do not say that the text will answer your questions you but you will find some important hints. Study about those. Make online researches. Read books in different languages from different authors and even between the lines. The author’s viewpoint and biography is also very relevant. Catch up on CPP leaders, Ho Chi Minh policy, Montagnard, Indochina War, Cambodia’s role in Vietnam War and the King’s life story. What happened before and after Khmer Rouge regime? Listen to old educated Khmer who experiences the 60’s. Their knowledge is huge. At end draw a conclusion and form your own opinion. Find confidence and courage to take action against the problem, however modest. Otherwise you are going to wait in vain for a savior or miracle. We have only a real chance if we work together.

“Firstly everybody shall follow code of law. And then follow leaders. The code of
law is the highest precept and inviolable like the human soul.”

Hun Sen and CPP’s manipulated media
TV channels: TV5, TVK, Bayon TV, Apsara TV
Radio channels: Bayon FM 95, Apsara FM 97
Newspapers: Rasmei Kampuchea Daily, Chakraval
Written by Orphan Child
11 November 2010

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I wish every body in and outside
cambodia read this well informed
and mind opening news and forsee the future of cambodia.
God bless cambodia !!!